Senior Estimator

Step Up Recruiting
  • Farmington Hills, MI
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Job Description

Senior Construction Estimator

Position Overview

A growing construction and project delivery organization is seeking a highly experienced Construction Estimator to support a diverse portfolio of commercial building and infrastructure-related projects. This position is best suited for an individual with extensive field knowledge and a strong understanding of project costs across multiple construction disciplines.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing project budgets and cost analyses throughout the planning and design process while collaborating with operations teams to support successful project execution. This role requires the ability to work independently, evaluate incomplete project information, and provide reliable cost guidance for projects at varying stages of development.


Primary Responsibilities

Cost Planning & Estimating

  • Develop preliminary, intermediate, and detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
  • Prepare budgets using conceptual information, site layouts, design documents, historical cost data, and industry benchmarks.
  • Analyze costs associated with building construction, infrastructure improvements, facility renovations, and tenant modifications.
  • Perform quantity surveys and detailed takeoffs for various trade scopes.
  • Establish project budgets utilizing unit-cost, assembly-cost, and benchmark pricing methodologies.
  • Evaluate alternative design options and provide recommendations for cost optimization.
  • Support project planning efforts through feasibility studies and budget forecasting.
  • Maintain estimating resources, pricing databases, subcontractor information, and cost tracking tools.
  • Solicit and evaluate pricing proposals from subcontractors, suppliers, and specialty contractors.

Project & Operations Support

  • Assist project teams during planning, procurement, and construction phases.
  • Review project schedules and identify potential cost or sequencing risks.
  • Participate in scope reviews, bid evaluations, and buyout activities.
  • Collaborate with project leadership on budget tracking, forecasting, and change management.
  • Identify constructability concerns and recommend practical solutions before work begins.
  • Support ongoing cost control initiatives and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Experience

  • Five or more years of experience within the construction industry.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing estimates for commercial, mixed-use, institutional, industrial, or large-scale renovation projects.
  • Previous experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Construction Estimating
    • Project Management
    • Field Supervision
    • Construction Operations
  • Proven ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Technical Knowledge

Experience preparing:

  • Preliminary and conceptual budgets
  • Detailed cost estimates
  • Quantity takeoffs
  • Design-development budgets
  • Procurement and bid analyses
  • Scope leveling and cost comparisons

Knowledge of:

  • Structural systems
  • Concrete construction
  • Building envelope components
  • Interior finishes
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
  • Sitework and utility infrastructure
  • Civil and earthwork activities
  • General construction sequencing and means/methods

Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to interpret construction drawings and technical specifications.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and digital takeoff platforms.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

What Success Looks Like

The individual selected for this role will:

  • Deliver timely and accurate project budgets that support decision-making.
  • Identify cost risks and opportunities early in the project lifecycle.
  • Build confidence among operations teams through reliable estimating practices.
  • Contribute to improved project outcomes through proactive planning and cost management.
  • Serve as a trusted resource on construction costs, market trends, and budgeting strategies.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
  • Performance-based incentive opportunities.
  • Comprehensive healthcare offerings.
  • Paid vacation and holidays.
  • Professional development and training support.
  • Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization.

Numbers & Facts

LocationFarmington Hills, MI

Skills

  • Analysis Skillsunmatched
  • Benchmarkingunmatched
  • Bid Analysisunmatched
  • Budget Forecastingunmatched
  • Budget Managementunmatched
  • Budgetingunmatched
  • Building Renovationunmatched
  • Change Managementunmatched
  • Commercial Constructionunmatched
  • Communication Skillsunmatched
  • Concreteunmatched
  • Constructionunmatched
  • Construction Drawingsunmatched
  • Construction Estimatesunmatched
  • Construction Supportunmatched
  • Cost Analysisunmatched
  • Cost Controlunmatched
  • Cost Estimatesunmatched
  • Decision Supportunmatched
  • Design Documentunmatched
  • Design Evaluationunmatched
  • Detail Orientedunmatched
  • Earthmoving/Earthworksunmatched
  • Feasibility Analysisunmatched
  • Forecastingunmatched
  • Historical Cost Principleunmatched
  • Infrastructure Constructionunmatched
  • Leadershipunmatched
  • Market Trend Analysisunmatched
  • Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP)unmatched
  • Operational Supportunmatched
  • Options Analysisunmatched
  • Organizational Skillsunmatched
  • Pricingunmatched
  • Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
  • Procurement Planningunmatched
  • Project Developmentunmatched
  • Project Evaluationunmatched
  • Project Executionunmatched
  • Project Lifecycleunmatched
  • Project Planningunmatched
  • Project Scheduleunmatched
  • Project/Program Managementunmatched
  • Purchasing/Procurementunmatched
  • Quantity Surveyingunmatched
  • Reporting Skillsunmatched
  • Risk Analysisunmatched
  • Spreadsheetsunmatched
  • Team Playerunmatched
  • Technical Drawingunmatched
  • Time Managementunmatched

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